If you want your business to be like all the others, set yourself some SMART objectives. I doubt there will be anyone who hasn’t had this hammered into them. Specific, Measurable, Achievable (yawn), Realistic, (head lolling in near slumber) and Time-bound (snore).

SMART objectives are part of an obsolete management world that assumes the future is predictable and that what your business needs is more of what you’re already doing. If you believe that, you’re already in big trouble!

I can see that SMART fitted the olden days (ie, 5 or more years ago) because it was safe and relatively sedate. Change came at you in a steady, manageable manner.

If you’re a 2%er you’ll want to avoid slipping into a world of mediocrity and blandness where everyone sets SMART goals that are basically the same as last year but 5% higher. I’m suggesting you get yourself some HUGGs. Huge Unbelievable Great Goals that stretch you and your team to the limits. HUGGs are eye-wateringly exciting and can only be achieved by creativity, passion, innovative thinking and teamwork. HUGGs require a working environment where people are actively encouraged to be their best selves, consistently. HUGGs are about being world class and, between you, me and the gatepost, that is the only direction to be heading.

There will of course be the naysayers, who think HUGGs are ‘too big’ or ‘directionless’ or just plain ‘unachievable’. To counter this just ask them to think of any major leap forward in human history that would have been achieved with a SMART objective. And let their vacant expression make your point for you.

Buzz Lightyear had it pretty much spot on folks.

Until next time...

A